Lacazette fee putting Gunners off

Arsenal have reportedly held initial talks with Lyon forward Alexandre Lacazette but the £42million asking price is putting them off.

Lacazette hit 23 goals in all competitions for Lyon last season but is keen to move on this summer and claimed last month he was interested in a move to the Premier League.

West Ham have had at least one bid rejected for him, with Lyon turning down around £30million, and reports say the Ligue 1 side want at least £42million for the 25-year-old.

Arsenal do not want to go as high as that and could turn their attention elsewhere unless Lyon lower their asking price.

The Gunners missed out on Jamie Vardy last month after the England striker decided to stay at Leicester and boss Arsene Wenger is after more firepower this summer, with Lacazette among his preferred options in the market.

Meanwhile, Wolfsburg midfielder Julian Draxler is another top Arsenal target and there are reports a £42million bid has been lodged for the Germany international.

Draxler joined Wolfsburg last summer from Schalke, despite Wenger wanting him then, but he could be ready to leave after just one season.